Question

Soda-lime glass is the most common type of glass manufactured in the world. The "soda" in soda-lime glass does not come from a soft drink. Instead, it comes from a substance called soda ash (Na₂CO₃). Soda ash is made using the Solvay process, which was developed in the 1860s. In this process, soda ash and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) are made from sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

a) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
b) Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)
c) Calcium chloride (CaCl₂)
d) Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)

Answer 1

Soda-lime glass is a widely used amorphous solid made from silica, with soda ash being a major component. The soda ash is produced using the Solvay process, involving sodium chloride and calcium carbonate. This type of glass is primarily used for windows and tableware due to its transparency and formability.

Step-by-step explanation:

Soda-lime glass is the most common form of glass manufactured worldwide, using soda ash (Na2CO3) as a key ingredient. This glass is a non-crystalline solid made from silica (silicon dioxide) and is used in products like window panes and tableware. Soda-lime-silica glass, comprising about 75% silicon dioxide, also includes sodium oxide from soda ash, and calcium oxide (lime), with some other minor additives.

The Solvay process, which was developed in the 1860s, produces soda ash by using sodium chloride (salt) and calcium carbonate to produce both sodium carbonate and calcium chloride. Industry relies on soda ash for the production of various types of glass, including soda-lime glass, which is notable for its transparency and ease of formation, although it has a high thermal expansion and low heat resistance. Sodium carbonate used in the glassmaking process is often extracted from trona, a naturally occurring mineral.